An efficient lignin depolymerization process with highly controllable product distribution was presented using metal chloride (MClx) cooperated with Pd/C. The catalytic performances of MClx were investigated. The effect of reaction conditions on the lignin depolymerization and products distribution were also studied. Results showed that more than 35.4% yield of phenolic monomer including 7.8% phenols and 1.1% guaiacols could be obtained under optimized condition. And the product distribution can be efficiently controlled by the modification of the metal cation through different pathway of Lewis acid catalysis and coordination catalysis. Furthermore, the Pd/C catalyst showed an excellent recyclability, where no significant loss of the catalytic activity was exhibited after 3 runs. Moreover, the product control mechanism was proposed. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.